Dolce & Gabbana’s male couture is on a high

Who needs any more proof that self-confident men’s fashion is taking over from the timid women’s offering?

Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Sartoria, left, and Alta Moda, right

crédit: Dolce & Gabbana

The first ever Alta Sartoria collection from Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana followed hard on the ballet-slipper heels of the women’s Alta Moda.

The two haute couture shows in Milan on consecutive days were aimed at the same customers: the global super rich. The idea was to give a second chance to the men to open their wallets – this time for themselves.

Fantastical embroideries on a men’s Alta Sartoria jacket

I was stunned – and rather envious – of the fantastical embroideries on men’s velvet jackets, which Stefano showed me on display in the palazzo before the show.

Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Sartoria, left, and Alta Moda, right

crédit: Dolce & Gabbana

On the runway, the men’s day clothes were noticeably just that little bit more decorative and fanciful than the women’s: glam buttons here, a fur collar there, even ermine tails on one white fur scarf.

White? Yes, it seems to be the new summer shade for oligarchs and their like, as they swoosh out in floor-length greatcoats.

Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Sartoria, left, and Alta Moda, right

crédit: Dolce & Gabbana

As for the shoes – while women had to be content with delicately
embroidered hose, the men’s footwear rocked, from colourful crocodile
brogues to the currently on-sale gilt-embroidered velvet evening
slippers. Potential clients were wearing them at the show in the middle
of the day – no guilt attached.

Detail of the embroidery on a men’s Alta Sartoria jacket

If a man wants to be noticed for the cut of his brocade jacket, Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Sartoria is about as high, in craftsmanship, quality and style, as men’s fashion can get.

The show space for the Alta Sartoria show in the palazzo owned by the “dynamic duo”